Bermuda Win Opening U19 Championship Game
Last night [July 11] Bermuda’s U19 Rugby Team led their opening game at half time 13-0 against Barbados in defense of the NACRA U19s Championship.
In the U19 tournament Bermuda will be looking to retain their number 1 position in the region, though they will face a determined challenge from an ever improving Mexican side and the re-emerging force of Trinidad & Tobago at the U19 level.
Team Manager, Peter Clark commented, “The team played a great first half of well executed rugby, leading 13 – 0 at the half before weathering the spirited storm of Barbados to win the match 18-5.”
An opening drive from the pack led to a quick 3 point penalty from Tristan Kermode, which he repeated again 5 minutes later making it 6-0.
The reigning champions’ confidence and continuity continued to grow during the first half; The forward pack consistently making ground with driving mauls and providing clean ball for Bermuda’s talented back line.
However, it wasn’t until the final minute of the half before the scoreboard moved again. Another solid scrum allowed flyhalf David Lunn to send Scott Heaney on a searing break from 40 yards out. Heaney was stopped just short of the line, and the scrambling Bajan defence had little option but to concede a penalty as they attempted to stop quick ruck ball. Bermuda captain, Nick Chilvers, chose to take a tap penalty and powered over for the team’s first try of the tournament. Kermode’s steady boot added the extra’s and Bermuda moved into a 13-0 lead at the half.
Immediately following the break, Heaney intercepted a wayward pass before hoofing the ball down field and tackling the opposition’s Full Back. Again, Barbados had little option but to illegally attempt to retain possession, and yet again, Bermuda chose to take a quick tap instead of going for the 3 points.
The ball found its way to Outside Center, and Vice Captain Tom Basset, who touched down in the corner for Bermuda’s final points of the night.
Barbados fought hard to disrupt every aspect of Bermuda’s game plan for the remainder of the second period and their relentless pursuit eventually paid off when they crashed over from short range.
Head Coach, James Adderley said, “We will have to beat a well drilled Cayman team on Wednesday night to advance to Saturday’s final against either Trinidad & Tobago or Mexico. The other coaches and I were very happy with the team effort displayed giving Barbados little good ball to work with.
Mario Holdipp scored the lone Try for Barbados.
Final Score: Bermuda 18 Barbados 5
Well done Bermuda!
well done boys, keep up the good work
watch Mexico they spin super wide, and like to sneak their blind wing in, their number 8 was man of the match in the mens international he likes to play jackal either stay on your feet or present good ball.
Well done guys!! Good luck in up coming games.
Well done! All the best in your up coming matches!
Wish i could be there to cheer you on
Congrats guys. All the best through out the competition.
Good Effort – well done!